Discharge Instructions: Flushing Your Feeding Tube

You are going home with a feeding tube in place. One of the things you must do is flush your tube to keep it from becoming clogged. You will flush your tube with warm water after each feeding, and before and after giving yourself any medicines. You were shown how to flush and care for your tube in the hospital. This sheet helps you remember the steps when you are at home.

Ask for phone numbers to call if you need help.

Healthcare provider phone number:

Home health nurse phone number:

Medical supply company phone number:

Gather your supplies

Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and clean, running water. Or use a hand sanitizer that contains 60% alcohol. 

Here are the supplies you will need:

• ___ mL (cc) syringe.

• Bowl of warm water

• Medical tape

Flushing a tube for continuous feeding

Flush the feeding tube with warm water and a clean syringe. Do this before the first daily feeding, after the last daily feeding, and at other times as instructed. Follow these steps:

• Fill a clean bowl with warm water.

• Put the tip of the syringe in the water.

• Draw up ___ mL (cc) of water.

• Turn off the pump.

• Not all tubes have clamps. Close the clamp on the feeding bag tubing if there is one.

• Remove the tubing from the port.

• Put the tip of the syringe in the feeding port. If there is a clamp on the feeding tube or extension tubing, be sure it is open.

• Push the plunger down slowly. Use an even, gentle push.

• Let the water run through the feeding tube. When you are done flushing the tube, remove the syringe from the feeding port.

• Start your feeding or close the cap on the feeding port as you have been shown.

• Tape the tube to your skin with medical tape if needed.

• Other instructions:

Flushing a tube for single or special (bolus) feedings

Depending on your healthcare provider's instructions, flush the feeding tube before and after each feeding, in between each medicine, and after medicines. Use a clean syringe and warm water. Follow these steps:

• Fill a clean bowl with warm water.

• Put the tip of the syringe in the water.

• Draw up ___ mL (cc) of water. Follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions on how much water to use. The amount depends on your age, health condition, and your situation.

• Open the cap on the feeding port.

• Put the tip of the syringe in the feeding port. If there is a clamp on the feeding tube or extension tubing, be sure it is open.

• Push down on the plunger slowly. Use an even, gentle push. Let the water run through the tube. When you are done flushing the tube, remove the syringe from the feeding port.

• Close the cap as you have been shown.

• Tape the tube to your skin with medical tape if needed.

• Other instructions:

Call 911

Call 911 if any of these occur:

• You are choking

• You have a large amount of bloody or coffee-colored drainage through the tube

• You have trouble breathing during feeding, flushing, or giving medicine

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

• Tube that can’t be unclogged

• Tube that falls out or trouble telling if the tube is in your stomach

• Tube that is cracked or breaking down 

• Diarrhea that lasts for more than 3 loose stools

• Constipation that lasts more than 48 hours

• Upset stomach or vomiting

• Redness, warmth, or soreness in the skin around the tube

• You see a small amount of bloody or coffee-colored fluid leaking through the tube

• Sudden weight loss or gain (more than 2 pounds in 24 hours)

• Bloated or tight belly

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Chills